Car-axle box



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NITE STATES A'rnNr Fries.

SOREN ROBERTSON, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

CAR-AXLE BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 487,231, dated November 29, 1892. Application tiled March 4, 1892. Serial No. 423,733. ((No model.)

To @ZZ whom t may con/cern:

Be it known that I, SOREN ROBERTSON, of Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Journal-Boxes and Attachments; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in car-axle or journal boxes and attachments; and my invention consists, among other things, in a peculiar arrangement of journalpacking for lubricating the journal of the axle and mechanism for supporting this packing relative to the journal, wherebythe packing does not require frequent renewing and whereby the journal receives better lubrication.

My invention consists, also, in means for more effectually excluding dust and dirt from the journal-box and journal and more effectually preventing the escape and consequent Waste of oil than was possible by the means heretofore devised.

My invention consists, further, in a collar revoluble with the wheels and car-axle, but connected with the journal-box in such a manner that it offers resistance to the end- Wise thrust of the axle and wheels without liability of injuriously straining any of the parts of the box and that it can be removed endwise off the axle with the journal-box.

My invention consists, moreover, in a plate bolted to the top of the journal-box and provided with a perforated boss at one side of the top of the box, whereby the steady-pin depending from and rigidly connected with the car-body and adapted to be received by the perforation of said boss may extend through and below said boss-that is, said perforated boss will accommodate,without in terference from or with the journal-box, the upanddown movement of the steady-pin resulting from the lurching and swaying of the car-body.

My invention consists, also, in providing the casing of the journal-box at either side and at the lower end thereof, with alaterallyprojecting lug or liange, with the lower surface of such lugs or iianges preferably Hush with the bottom of the box, and in providing the journal-box at or near the forward end thereof with a bracketor depending member, said laterally-projecting lugs or flanges and depending member being preferably perforated for the passage of bolts securing the side piece of the car-truck to the journal-box, thus effectually supporting and steadying the car-trnck.,

My invention consists, also, in certain features of construction and in combination of parts hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a side elevation in central vertical section of a journal-box embodyingmyinvention. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section on line 2 2, Fig. l. Fig. 3 is a front end elevation in section on line 3 3, Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a plan of the box. Fig. 5 is a perspective of the oil-feeding device.

A represents the casing of my improved journal-box, A the oil-chamber, and A2 the lid or cover of the box. B represents the journal-bearing; C, the journal of the axle; C', the hub of the Wheel, and D the sliding stop plate or end bearing of the axle. A3rep resents the rear wall of the oil-chamber of the box that is perforated, as at A4, for the passage of the journal of the axle.

E represents the journal-packing or lubricant-vehicle that is located Within the oilchamber below the journalof the axle. This packing comprises a comparatively thick sheet of felt or other material suitable for the purpose bent approximately to the form of an inverted U, as shown in Fig. 5,two blocks or plates F and G being provided, respectively, at the top and bottom of and within the U. The packing is secured to the lower block G in any suitable manner, preferably as shown, by strips H, of leather or other suitable material, tacked or nailed to said block or plate. Blocks or plates F and G are recessed on opposing surfaces relative to each other, as at f g, and I represents springs, preferably coilsprings, as shown, that are seated Within said recesses. Block or plate F at eithcrend is preferably flush with the edge of packing E; but block or plate G extends, preferably, beyond either end of the U-shaped sheet of packing,

ICO

being of such length as to nicely but easily tit within the oil-chamber A and rest upon the bottom of the latter. End g of 1block or plate G, that extends forward of the packing,

thus serves as a handle. Y 4 v The device, composed of the journal-packing or lubricant-vehicle E, plates or blocks F G, with intermediate springs I, shall hereinafter be referred to in this specification as the oil-feeding device.

The oil-feeding device, as aforesaid, extends approximately the entire length of the oilchamber and the location of the top or central portion of the packing or lubricant-vehicle of the oil-feeding device relative to the journal of the axle is such that the latter will engage the packing, as shown more clearly in Fig. 3, and somewhat depressthetop or central portion of the packing, as at e, and bulge it out laterally, as at e', against the side walls of the oilchamber, upper plate or block F and springs I constituting a cushion that acts in the direction to hold the journal-packing or lubricant-vehicle in contact with the journal. It will thus be observed that the packing or lubricant-vehicle of the oil-feeding device presents alarge surface to the journal ofthe axle, thereby affording better lubrication, and the packing being preferably thick at the top of the oil-feeding device (at least not diminished in thickness) it follows that said packing will lastalong time, and when this top portion has been worn away the journal will still be lubricated by the packing at the sides of the oil-feeding device. At the rear of the oilchamber the casing of the journal-box is enlarged laterally and upwardly, as at a.

L represents an annular wearing plate or disk, of comparatively-hard fibrous material, preferably wood fiber, the same being located 'within the chamber of the enlarged portion a of the box immediately at the rear of the back wall of' the oil-chamber, the centrally-located opening of plate or disk L being just sufficiently large to permit the passage of the journal of the axle.

Immediately at the rear of annular plate or disk L is located a collar M, the forward end of which is annularly flanged externally, as at M', such flanged portion of collar M being preferably of the same size diametrically as plate or disk L.

Immediately at the rear of annular flange M of collar M the casing of the enlarged portion a of the journal-box has an inwardly-extending flange all round the box, as at a', the same being circular at its inner end, leaving a central opening sufficiently large relative to the external periphery of flange M of collar M as to easily permit the removal of the collar from the journal-box when required and its insertion'. Chamber a2, thus formed between enlarged portion d of the casing of the box and annular flange M of collar M and between the internal ange a and forward wall of theenlarged portion of the box, is lled with suitable packing K, preferably felt.

Collar M extends rearward of the journalbox and at the rear end has an outwardly and rearwardly projecting lug or member M2, that is adapted to fit within a corresponding recess C2 in hub C of the car-wheel, so that when the box is in position with collar M mounted upon the axle by means of rearwardly-projecting member M2 of the collar and recess C2 of the hub ofthe car-wheel collar M will be locked to the hub ofthe wheel and caused to revolve with the wheel and axle.

Collar M is held against Wearing disk or plate L by a plate Q, preferably of cast-iron, that lits outside collar M within the rear end of the enlarged portion a of the casing of the journal-box and is secured to the forward wall of said enlarged portion of the casing by means of screws or bolts R, a gasket S being interposed, however, between plate Q and the opposing surfaces of iianges a and M of the casing of the box and collar M, respectively, gasket. S being of course of such thickness within the chamber between flange a of the casing of the box and collar M as to fill said chamber, so that when plate Q is secured in place gasket S will fit snugly against iiange M of 'collar M and hold collar M against wearing disk or plate L. Plate Q has of course a slot Q in open relation with the central opening of the plate, slot Q being of such shape and size relative to the outwardly and rearwardly projectinglug or member M2 of collar M as to readily permit the removal and assemblage of said plate. Collar M has also an internal annular groove, as at M3, filled with packing T, preferably leather.

By the construction hereinbefore described, with the parts properly made and assembled, it will readily be observed that there is not the least possible opportunity for dust and dirt to obtain ingress at the rear end of the journal-box to the journal of the axle and oil-chamber of the box or for the escape and consequent waste of oil from the box.

Collar M is removable endwise from the axle with the journal-box-in fact, is an attach ment of the box-and the journal-box and attached collar M having been removed from the axle the parts can readily be separated for inspection, repairs, &c.

Plate Q, flange a', and the forward-wall of chamber 0.2 of the enlarged portion oa of the casing of the box are of course provided with suitable holes for the reception of screws or bolts R, that, as aforesaid, secure plate Q in place to hold the respective parts properly assembled.

The journal-box at the bottom of chamber a2 is slotted for the reception of a slide N, the latter extending, preferably, the entire width of said chamber and adapted to snugly fit therein, but not so snugly as to prevent the slide from being easily moved in and out. The box at the top of chamber a2 is perforated for the passage of bolts O, a bolt being provided at either side of and passing ythrough chamber 0.2, and the screw-threaded end of the bolts passing through a correspond- IOO tion of chamber d2.

ingly-threaded perforation in slide N. In case of any leakage of the box, such leakage will likely be first perceptible at the lower por- Hence the provision of slide N aforesaid, whereby, for instance, from carelessness on the part of the workmen, the packing in chamber a2 should not have been sufficiently compressed and the box should consequently leak. By manipulating bolts O slide N can be advanced to compress the packing against the peripheral surface of wearing plate or disk L and flange M of collar M and stop the leakage without necessitating the separation of the respective parts of the box; also, if access to chamber a2 were necessary, for instance, for renewing the packing in said chamber by means' of slide N such access is readily had without necessitating the disturbance of any other part of the box.

To the top of the journal-box is bolted a plate U, the same preferably being made to iitnicely between the enlarged portion ct of the box and a ridge A5 at the forward end of the top of the box, plate U having a recess U on its under side, adapted to tita corresponding projection Aat the central portion of the top of the box, the plate and box being perforated at thisI pointfor the passage of a bolt W for securing said plate to the box, the top wall of the chamber of the box being provided with a recess for receiving the head of the bolt flush therewith. Plate U at one side of the journal-box terminates in a boss U2, that is vertically perforated, as at Us, for the reception of the steadypin (not shown) depending from and rigidly connected with the car-body. By this provision, that is of no inconsiderable importance, the steady-pin referred to can extend through the boss and have entire freedom to move up and down with the lurching or swaying of the car-body without impediment by or interference with the journal-box.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the journal-box at either side and at the lower end thereof has a laterally-projecting lug or flange A7, preferablyl iush with the bottom of the box, and forward of these lugs or flanges has a depending bracket or member A8, said laterally-projecting lug or flanges and depending bracket or member being perforated, as at 0.7 as, respectively, for the reception of bolts for securing the side piece of the car-truck to the bottom of the journal-box at the rear of depending bracket or member As of the box, thus effectually supporting and steadying the car-truck.

Vhat I claim is- 1. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, an oil-feeding device located in the oil-chamber of the box and comprising a packing or lubricant-vehicle adapted to be engaged by the journal and secured to a plate or block adapted to rest upon the bottom of the oilchamber, and a cushion interposed between said plate or block and the top or central portion of the packing or lubricant-vehicle and adapted to hold the latter in contact with the journal, substantially as set forth.

2. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, an oil-feeding device located in the oil-chamber of the box and comprising a packing or lubricant-vehicle adapted to be engaged by the journal, a plate or block to which the packing or lubricant vehicle is secured, said plate or block being adapted to rest upon the bottom of the oil-chamber and terminating at the forward end in a handle, and a cushion interposed between the said plate or block and the top or central portion of the packing and adapted to hold the latter in contact with the journal, substantially as set forth.

3. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, an oil-feeding device located in the oil-chamber ofthe box, said oil-feeding device comprising a sheet of packing bent approximately to the form of an inverted U in cross-section, the top or central portion of the packing being adapted to be engaged and depressed by the journal and bulged out laterally, substantially as indicated, the sheet of packing at its longitudinal ends beingsecured to a plate or block adapted to rest 'upon the bottom of the oil-chamber, and a cushion interposed between said plate or block and the top or central portion of the packing and adapted to hold said packing in contact with the journal, substantially as set forth.

4. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, an oil-feeding device located in the oil-cham ber of the box, said oil-feeding device comprising a sheet of packing bent approximately to the form of an inverted U in cross-section, the top or central portion of the packing being adapted to be engaged and depressed by the journal and bulged out laterally, substantially as indicated, the sheet of packing and its longitudinal ends being secured to a plate or block, as at G, adapted to rest upon the bottom of the oil-chamber, a plate or block, as at F, located above the aforesaid plate or block G and below the top orcentral portion of the sheet of packing, and one or more springs, as at I, interposed between plates or blocks F G and acting in the direction to hold the packing in contact with the journal, substantially as set forth.

5. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, a collar removably attached to and extending rearwardly of the box, said collar being adapted to be mounted upon the journal with the box and connected to the journal, whereby to revolve with the journal, substantially as set forth.

6. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, a collar removably connected with and extending rearwardly of the box, said collar being adapted to be mounted upon the journal with the box and having a rearwardly-projecting lug or member, substantially as and vfor the purpose set forth.

7. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, a collar removably connected with and extending rearwardlyof the box, said collar bel'OO IZO

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ing adapted to bepinounted upon the journal with the lbox Aand revolve with/ the journal and having an internal annulargroove filled or adapted to be filled with packing, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. lIn a journal-box of the variety indicated, thel casing whereof is enlarged rearward of the oilchamber, a collar removably connected with said enlarged portion ofthe box and adapted to be mounted upon and connected with the journal and revolve with the journal, a wearing disk or plate between the forward end of said collar and the adjacent wall of the enlarged portion of `the casing of the box, and vsuitable means for holding the collar against said wearing plate or disk, substantially as set forth.

9. In ajournal-box of the variety indicated, a collar removably connected with the box rearward of kthe oil-chamber, a `chamber in the boxsurrounding said collarand supplied or adapted tobe 'supplied with packing, said collar lbeing'r'ad'apted to be mounted upon the journal'with the box andrevolve with thek journal,`and suitable means for holding said collar from moving endwise, substantially as s'et forth.

`10.` In a journal-box of the variety indi-` cated, a chamber located in the rear portion of the box and supplied or adapted to be supplied withl packing to exclude dust and dirt and prevent the escape of oilV from the box, a slide located in the lower portion of said chamber,"theA bottom of the casing of the box being slotted or perforated for the insertion and removal of said slide, and suitable means for manipulating said slide to more or less compress the packing within the chamber aforesaid, substantially as set forth.

-11. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, the casing whereof is enlarged rearward ofthe oil-chamber, a collar removably connected with the enlarged portion of the box and adapted to revolve with the journal, said collar having a lateral annular flange at its forward end, a wearing disk or plate inter-i posed between the forward end of said collar and the adjacent wall of the enlarged portion of the casing of the box, a plate adapted to close the rear end of the box about the collar and rigidly but removably secured to the box, and a gasket interposed between said rigid plate and the lateral annular flange of the col-v laraforesaid, said rigid plate and gasket bein g adapted to hold the collar against the wearing plate or disk forward of the collar, substantially as set forth.

12. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, the casin g whereof isenlarged rearward of the {oil-chamber, ya collar removably con- 6 uing'wallsofthe casing of the box -being supplied or adapted to be supplied With packing, aplate adapted to close the rearendof the box about the collar and rigidly but removablysecured to the box, land agasket interposed between said rigid plate and opposing surfaces of the aforesaid flanges of the casing of the box, said rigid plate .and gasket ,being adapt-ed to-hold thecollaragain'st the wearing plate or disk `forward of the collar, substantially as lset forth.

' 13. In a journal-box Lof the variety indicated, a plate removably secured to the top of ythe box, said plate at one side of the box being .provided with a `boss vertically perforated, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, a plate bolted to the top of the box, the top of the main chamber of the box being recessed for receiving the head of the bolt flush therewith, said plate at one side of the box being provided with av boss vertically perforated, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. In a journal-box of the variety indicated, a plate vremovably secured to the top of the box, the casing of the box being enlarged, as at a, and having a ridge at the forward portion of the top thereof, as at A5, and having an upwardly-projecting lug, as at A6, between parts a, and A5 and adapted to enter a corresponding recess inthe under side of the plate aforesaid, said plate at one s ide of the box being provided with a boss vertically perforated, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I sign this specificaj tion, in the presence of two witnesses, this 15th day of January, 1892.

SOREN ROBERTSON.

Witnesses:

C. H. DORER, WARD HOOVER. 

